The future of the iconic James Bond character might see a fresh face in the form of Aaron Taylor-Johnson, known for his roles in Avengers 2 and Kraven the Hunter. A recent wave of fan art has surfaced, offering a glimpse into Taylor-Johnson's hypothetical transformation into the suave agent 007.
Following Daniel Craig's departure from the James Bond saga post the release of No Time to Die in 2021, speculations have been rife regarding his successor. Among the speculated candidates, Aaron Taylor-Johnson emerged as a prominent name, with talks about his potential portrayal of James Bond dating back to as early as 2022.
Recent rumors hinting at Taylor-Johnson being offered and likely accepting the James Bond role reignited the buzz around the actor. In response to these speculations, a digital artist going by the moniker spdrmnkyxxiii crafted an artistic rendition featuring a debonair Taylor-Johnson donning the classic 007 attire, complete with a firearm. The artwork not only teased a prospective movie title ('Need to Know') but also pondered on the ideal director for Bond's upcoming escapade. The artist expressed, "While not my top choice, ATJ possesses the charm to masterfully embody the role. I am rooting for Christopher Nolan to helm the next Bond installment, given his past collaboration with ATJ on Tenet."
Although Taylor-Johnson is widely recognized for his superhero portrayals in Kick-Ass, Avengers: Age of Ultron, and the upcoming Kraven the Hunter, he has also showcased his prowess in action-packed narratives like Tenet, Bullet Train, and the forthcoming action comedy The Fall Guys. Moreover, his foray into more dramatic characters, such as Ray Marcus in 2016's Nocturnal Animals The discourse surrounding the next James Bond incumbent is fervent, with even former 007 Pierce Brosnan endorsing the likes of Oppenheimer star and Academy Award winner Cillian Murphy as a viable candidate. History suggests that the selection of a new James Bond is often met with mixed reactions; Daniel Craig himself faced skepticism initially but ultimately won over fans with his portrayal in Casino Royale. Similarly, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, if he indeed steps into the James Bond shoes, could sway skeptics once his rendition of the character hits the screens. While the purported offer to Taylor-Johnson for the James Bond role is yet to be officially confirmed by the 007 franchise stakeholders, the anticipation lingers within the fan community. Despite prior remarks from producer Barbara Broccoli ruling out the use of AI to resurrect former Bond actors, the official declaration on the next 007 remains pending. Should the rumors of Taylor-Johnson's acceptance materialize, enthusiasts might soon receive concrete validation. Conversely, if the speculations falter or the actor declines the supposed offer, fans might endure a prolonged wait for the return of the celebrated James Bond series. Source: spdrmnkyxxiii